Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins

Title: Criss Cross
Author: Lynne Rae Perkins
Awards: Newberry Award
Year Written: 2005
Age range: 10+
Topics: girls, boys, growing up, small towns, radio shows, friends, love, first love, mechanics, helping the elderly, family.

This novel, apparently a sequel, is mainly narrated by Debbie and Hector, two fourteen-year olds. A uniquely written book, incorporating illustrations and various writing styles throughout, it tells a coming-of-age tale of friends growing up in a small town. They each wish for changes in their lives, and slowly go about making decisions to incorporate change.

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen

Title: Miracles on Maple Hill
Author: Virginia Sorensen
Awards: Newberry Award
Year Written: 1956
Age range: 8+
Topics: nature, seasons, girl, brother/sister relationships, country living, moving, family, effects of war, aging, miracles, exploring

Written from a young girls' perspective.
Her father just returned from the war and is not very happy. In an effort to lighten his mood, they head to the mother's childhood Grandma's home. They run into their old friends, and learn all about living off the land. They decide to stay throughout the winter when the father's mood improves.